What does a Security Officer do?

Security officers are responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of a company's employees, visitors, and associated property. Security officers are tasked with patrolling a designated area, responding to safety and security threats, and establishing a security presence. Security officers work in office buildings, retail stores, hospitals, colleges, casinos, and much more.

Security officers do not need to have a formal education aside from a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers require security officers to be licensed. While licensure requirements vary by state, most states at least require security officers to be 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete a minimum number of hours of training. Requirements generally vary for unarmed versus armed security officers. Security officers must be alert, strong communicators, and physically fit.

What responsibilities are common for Security Officer jobs?
  • Assume overall responsbility for the safety and security of designated areas
  • Patrol designated areas in accordance with outlined security procedures
  • Identify potential security risks and respond accordingly
  • Complete incident reports and required documentation for all security incidents
  • Ensure all employees and visitors have proper credentials for accessing buildings (ID badges and passes)
  • Respond to emergencies and incidents within designated areas promptly and according to policy
  • Assist employees and visitors with any concerns they might have
  • Escalate emergency situations to law enforcement as needed
  • Monitor alarms and security cameras
What are the typical qualifications for Security Officer jobs?
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Ability to pass a background check
  • Valid security guard license in state of employment
  • Previous security-related work experience preferred
  • Ability to stay levelheaded and respond quickly in stressful situations
  • Proficient written and oral communication skills
  • Comfortable kneeling, carrying, bending, walking, and standing for extended periods of time
  • Ability to perform continuous physical exertion as needed
  • Working knowledge of basic security techniques
EducationBachelor's Degree
Work/Life Balance
3.1 ★
Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
3.1 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

Security Officer Salaries near Ireland

Average Base Pay

€313 /hour
Not including cash compensation
See More Insights
Not enough salaries reported to show distribution
See More Insights
Glassdoor Estimated Salary

Security Officer Career Path

Learn how to become a Security Officer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Security Officer
€29,815/yr
Senior Security Officer
No Salary Reports
Lead Security Officer
No Salary Reports
Security Officer

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
20%
2 - 4
43%
5 - 7
5%
8+
32%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Security Officer Insights

Read what Security Officer professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Safe Streets USASafe Streets USA
Smart Security Pro
9 May 2022

“I’ve o my worked here a short time and so far everyone is really welcoming and helpful.”

VSG Vision Security GroupVSG Vision Security Group
Security Officer
21 May 2021

“Pay wasn't great and expected to go above and beyond but didn't receive much in return”

Eastern Security (NY)
Security Officer
1 Sept 2022

“nothing really the people you work with are sometimes the best and worst things about the job”

Community Action SecurityCommunity Action Security
Securuty Guard
28 Apr 2023

“Pay was ok but not the best since I have 9 years of experience and it wasn’t apart of my degree path”

Forest of Marston Vale
Woodland Creation Officer
20 Apr 2023

“Volunteering is mandatory Going above and beyond is expected and will go unrewarded No career path Pay is capped at £27k”

Sunstates SecuritySunstates Security
Security Guard
4 May 2021

“Got to Make my own schedule while i was Per Diem and co workers were really friendly.”

Top Guard SecurityTop Guard Security
Armed Security Officer
18 Mar 2022

“Note: I did enjoy my job and I also enjoyed some of the people I worked for and with.”

West Coast Metropolitan PatrolWest Coast Metropolitan Patrol
Security Patrol Officer
21 Jul 2022

“I liked my job and the management was professional but they simply cannot cover payroll.”

See More

Security Officer Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of security officers

The typical day for a security officer centers around keeping businesses safe from intruders. They do this by patrolling the perimeter and interior of the building, guarding entrances, inspecting bags, and checking the identity of unfamiliar visitors. If there are security cameras, security officers monitor the video feed and check for irregularities.

Yes, security is a good step in your career. Some people work as security officers before joining the police academy. An important advantage of being a security officer is being settled in a stable, routine career. Security officers are in a position of trust and should be responsible and diligent in executing the requirements of the position.

The average salary for security officers is about €313 annually. Overtime pay can definitely boost the average salary and some employers also give Christmas bonuses. Security officers with a background in law enforcement may have higher starting salaries because they have more experience and capabilities than the typical candidate.

A challenge of being a security officer is that professionals who aren't authorized to carry a weapon may still be placed in dangerous situations, such as having to subdue an armed individual. Working as a security officer can also be a stressful job because the safety of the business depends on the your performance.

Related Careers

Police Officer
€53,917
25% skills overlap
Police Sergeant
€61,000
13% skills overlap
Correctional Officer
€25,173
38% skills overlap
Security Manager
€58,627
13% skills overlap

Security Officer jobs